Variable Refractive Index Panel for 2D Beam Steering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing two-dimensional beam steering devices face challenges in achieving a small size and simple structure while effectively increasing optical deflection, with methods like mechanical rotation and optical phase arrays being less suitable for mass production.

Innovation Solution

A two-dimensional beam steering device incorporating a variable refractive index panel with a waveguide and electro-optic prism, where the refractive index distribution is controlled by electrodes to create a prism effect, allowing for precise adjustment of light emission angles through voltage application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a mechanical rotation method is used to steer the laser source, then the beam steering function is achieved, but the device size increases and mass production becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam steering functionVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical rotation system with an optical phase array method using multiple waveguides and modulators. This substitution eliminates moving parts and mechanical rotation, achieving beam steering through optical phase control, thereby reducing device size while maintaining the beam steering function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the beam steering function into multiple discrete waveguide elements with individual modulators. Each waveguide element can be independently controlled to adjust the phase of light, enabling precise beam steering without requiring mechanical movement of the entire laser source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If an optical phase array method is used for beam steering, then precise beam control is achieved, but the device structure becomes complex and mass production is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam control precisionVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple waveguide elements and modulators into an integrated optical chip structure. This consolidation reduces the overall device complexity while maintaining the precise beam control capability through coordinated phase adjustment of the integrated elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the optical phase array with a modular structure where the same waveguide and modulator design can be used for multiple beam steering positions and applications, reducing overall device complexity through standardized components while maintaining precise control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If bulky electro-optic material is used for beam steering, then the beam deflection is achieved, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam deflection capabilityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses thin-film electro-optic materials deposited on the waveguide structures to achieve beam deflection. This thin-film approach provides the necessary electro-optic effect for beam steering while occupying minimal space, thereby reducing device size compared to bulky electro-optic materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The device achieves compact size, reduced component count, and enhanced optical deflection capabilities, enabling efficient 2D beam steering with a single light source, suitable for applications like display scanning, sensors, and LiDAR systems.

Implementation Method 1

a variable refractive index panel configured to generate a prism effect... the plurality of electrodes may be disposed such that a refractive index distribution is formed in the variable refractive index layer when a voltage is applied

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectro-optic effect: Electro-Optic Effects

Implementation Method 2

a waveguide in contact with a surface of the variable refractive index panel... the waveguide may have a structure in which a light emission location may vary depending on a light incident location

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 3

A photorefractive material may be disposed on a light emitting surface of the electro-optic prism... the plurality of electrodes may be disposed such that a refractive index distribution is formed in the variable refractive index layer when a voltage is applied to the variable refractive index panel, the refractive index distribution generating a photorefractive index effect

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotorefractive effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10156769B2Two-dimensional beam steering device

Publication Date: 2018.12.18 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A two-dimensional (2D) beam steering device may include a variable refractive index panel configured to generate a prism effect, a waveguide in contact with a surface of the variable refractive index panel, and an electro-optic prism disposed on a surface of the waveguide. The variable refractive index panel may include a variable refractive index layer, a common electrode layer, and an electrode pattern layer. The common electrode layer and the electrode pattern layer may face each other with the variable refractive index layer therebetween.